Where Are We? — Leviticus 5

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Time & Place

  • Time: 1491 BC
  • Location:
    • Wilderness of Sinai (Exod 19:1–2)
    • Tabernacle (Lev 1:1)

Where Are We in the Text?

  • The LORD continues speaking to Moses concerning additional cases requiring a sin offering (Lev 5:1).
  • Instructions address specific situations involving failure to testify, contact with uncleanness, and rash oaths (Lev 5:1–4).
  • Provision is made for confession and graded offerings based on the offender’s means (Lev 5:5–13).
  • The chapter introduces the trespass offering for offenses involving the holy things of the LORD (Lev 5:14–19).

Key Persons

  • The LORD — Speaker of instruction concerning sin and trespass offerings (Lev 5:1, 14).
  • Moses — Mediator receiving instruction on behalf of Israel (Lev 5:1).
  • The individual offender — Person responsible for confession and sacrifice according to the offense (Lev 5:1–19).

Where Are We in Time?

  • The chapter follows the initial instructions for the burnt, meat (grain), peace, and sin offerings (Lev 1–4).
  • Israel remains encamped at Sinai with the tabernacle functioning as the place of worship.
  • These instructions are given while Israel remains at Sinai.

Where Are We on the Map?

  • Tabernacle: Location where offerings are presented, confession is made, and restitution is addressed (Lev 5:5–7, 15–16).
  • Wilderness of Sinai: Site of Israel’s encampment during continued covenant instruction (Exod 19:1–2).

Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)

  • Israel continues under the Mosaic Covenant with expanded provision for sin, guilt, and restitution (Exod 24:7–8; Lev 5).
  • The trespass offering addresses violations involving sacred things and breaches requiring restitution.
  • Covenant accountability is further defined within the theocratic system.

Why This Matters

  • The chapter addresses specific, everyday situations requiring confession and sacrifice (Lev 5).
  • It establishes graded responsibility and provision based on the offender’s circumstances.

How This Chapter Relates to What Follows

  • Detailed laws concerning trespass offerings and priestly handling will continue (Lev 6–7).
  • The sacrificial system is further regulated and clarified.

Summary Orientation

  • Additional cases requiring sin offerings are defined (Lev 5:1–13).
  • The trespass offering is introduced for offenses involving holy things (Lev 5:14–19).
  • Covenant instruction at Sinai continues without movement of the camp.
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